4 Tips for Caster Wheel TLC

Whether you’re fighting with a cart at the
grocery store or rolling a squeaky library cart through the stacks, you
know just how annoying those squeaky wheels can be. When you’re in
charge of keeping carts operational, caster wheel maintenance is an
important part of your job. Here are four tips for keeping your carts
quiet and reliable.

1. Proper Use

Shopping carts tend to get noisy and swerve annoyingly because they
are constantly overloaded. Heavy loads put too much pressure on wheels
and the components connected to them. Do your best to educate cart users
on appropriate loads for each type of cart. It’s also a good idea to
discuss speed and surface factors with cart users.

2. Inside/Outside Rules

Many carts are manufactured for inside use, and they’ll pick up a lot
of sand and debris when used outside. This can quickly affect the
durability of the wheel systems. Treat carts with care during use and
caster wheels will last much longer. Other elements, such as extreme
temperatures, can lead to damages. Some wheel materials can handle
extremely high temperatures, while others can be used appropriately in
cold weather. Keep this in mind when purchasing the wheels.

3. Regular Maintenance

The right TLC for caster wheels begins with regular lubrication
and cleaning. Many wheels are left unsealed, so it’s not unusual for
dust and bits to get inside. Regular lubrication prevents some of that
debris from causing damage and improves quiet operation. When the carts
aren’t in use, keep them stored inside to avoid harmful outdoor
elements. If you need them, some caster wheels are more appropriate for
outside applications than others.

4. Keep Surfaces Clean

A lot of wheel damage on large casters
is the result of banging into objects on the floor. Even a tiny piece
of hardware on the floor, like a washer, can bring cast iron, phenolic,
or forged steel caster wheels to a halt, especially if the cart has a
heavy load. In addition to damaging the wheels, that abrupt stop could
cause injury to the cart user and the load on the cart.

The proper care of your cart begins with close attention to the
wheels. A quiet, steady-rolling cart is possible when carts are used
properly and maintained regularly. Pay attention to where carts are used
and the cleanliness of floors to improve wheel durability. Following
through with these four tips is a good way to make caster wheels last
longer and to keep cart users happier.